CRB is a repository of all the creative things that float through my mind about the RPG Pathfinder. Two major features are random character generation and building characters based on the god they worship. Anything that seems like it adds to the creative aspects of the game will pop up from time to time, including location descriptions, adventure ideas and even short stories. CRB won't just be my own creativity, it will open the floor to anyone who has an idea sparked by what I present to you.

Saturday, January 14, 2017

The Weight of a Life

Although I have some issues with
good folk and the willing taking of life, there are times when death is called for. The
followers of Damerrich are often called upon to do the deed when this is the
case. The Empyreal Lord of executions, judiciousness, and responsibility levies upon her followers the
unenviable task of putting to death those who have broken the law. Her devotees
must be strong of will and heart, so let’s take a look at three possible sects
of The Weighted Axe.

As always, let us imagine we are
sitting at our theoretical gaming table. Our imaginary GM sets out the rules
for the game we will play. In this game, we are to make a follower of
Damerrich. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of
The Weighted Swing. What character do you make?

In many a goodly nation that
abides by a system of law, small settlements cannot afford to maintain their
own judges. In these cases traveling judges, often member of the sect of the
followers of Zohls called the Jurists, act as a
representative of the law for anything more than a petty crime. On occasion
they must come condemn a criminal to death, they are however not the ones to
carry out such grizzly sentences.

When someone must be called upon
to perform an execution, members of The Solemn Stroke--a sect of Damerrich
worshipers--are prepared to do the deed. These holy executioners do not kill
for the love of killing, they kill so others do not have to. They know full
well that the death of another by someone’s hands weighs as heavily on their
soul as their patron’s axe. Rather that have that weight change the lives of
others they give of themselves this sacred duty to spare the effects that
killing has on others.

The Sacred Second

In the lands of the Dragon
Empire living up to one’s promises and responsibilities is of the utmost
importance. In some cases large failures are followed by ritual suicide.
Although these acts of penance are usually only for the most egregious failings,
they are used so that both the shamed one and their family may keep their honor
intact. During this act to cry out in pain is considered another failure and so
a second is usually chosen to silence the person permanently should the need
arise.

Although her following is small
one small sect of Damerrich is known well. The Sacred Seconds can be called
upon to perform the task of helping one keep one’s honor without causing
another to have the weight of killing on their hands. Like many followers of the
Weighted Axe they feel it is their duty to spare others from having to kill
even if it is an act of law.

The Tutors

Many of Damerrich’s followers
follow paths of personal responsibly, but they all know that taking account for
your own actions is a learned trait. The Tutors are a group of devotees of The
Weighted Axe who look to instill a sense of purpose of action in the youth so
that they never meet the blade of their brothers and sisters in other arms of
Damerrich’s church.

Members of this group tend to be
ex-adventurers, martial artists, teachers, or academics. Anyone who has skill
they can impart while using that as a parable for personal responsibility. The
Tutors are well respected, especially among the nobility and aristocracy in
places like Taldor, Brevoy, and Ustalav. Admittance into the organization
requires not just a skill to teach, but tests of one’s ability to properly
handle unruly children.

The weight of the world – and
the axe – sits on the shoulders of the EmpyrealLord’s followers. Who is your disciple of Damerrich? Why have they
chosen to dedicate themselves to The Weighted Hand? Where does their devotion
come from? Let me know in the comments.

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The opening illustration was created by the fine artist Luis Perez. You can find him on Twitter, Tumblr, and on Instagram at luisperezart.

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About Me

Simon is a lover, a fighter, a scholar, and a rogue all rolled into one. Equally at home in the squared circle, or behind the DM screen, his natural talent as a storyteller shines through. And where better for a storyteller to live than the city that never sleeps. With a careful eye he observes the characters that surround him, and uses some of their traits, mannerisms, and characteristics to produce the amazing character studies you find on this page. And no, he is far too humble to write this about himself, so he had a friend write it for him. As his friend I vouch that both his personal character, and his RPG characters are top notch! Just don't ask him about the feathered boa.

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